The Federal Republic of Germany recently chose the Laboratory for Visionary Architecture (LAVA) as the designers for their bid to host the Secretariat of the Green Climate Fund in Bonn, Germany. With a design inspired by the beautiful setting in the Rhine valley, and with curvilinear forms, nature light wells, roof top gardens and a large sunken terrace for the restaurant, the three level structure will comply with the latest energy and building ecology standards, meeting the highest demands in terms of sustainability (German gold certificate), ecology and energy efficiency (net zero energy). More images and architects’ description after the break.
LAVA’s design for the headquarters of the GCF is ‘an ecological model project’ and demonstrates their motto: ‘green is the new black’. The vision for international climate protection will be realised in the building design itself, with innovative solutions such as:
- Facades are articulated according to building orientation - Surfaces integrate various means of regenerative energy production - Photo-voltaics and bioreactors demonstrate the application of the latest technologies - The building responds to the site to maximize the experience of its natural qualities
“We were honoured to be asked by the German government to support their bid for the GCF with a state-of-the-art proposal reflecting its core values,” said LAVA director Tobias Wallisser. LAVA director Alexander Rieck added: “LAVA has worked closely with the advanced research facilities and experts at the world renowned Fraunhofer IAO to generate intelligent systems, materials and skins that respond to external influences such as air pressure, temperature, humidity, solar-radiation and pollution”.
“Since winning the international competition to design the centre of the world’s first eco city, Masdar, in 2009, our projects have focussed on combining digital workflow, nature’s principles and the latest digital fabrication technologies with the aim of achieving MORE WITH LESS: more (architecture) with less (material/energy/time/cost),” added Chris Bosse, LAVA director. Described as ‘architecturally appealing’ and ‘environmentally friendly with functional spaces that foster working productivity’ the purpose built GCF headquarters will offer ideal working conditions for approximately 300 Green Climate Fund officials, on a 13,000m2 site.
Offices with state-of-the-art office technology, logistics areas with security controls and a visitor reception zone, an auditorium, a conference room, a canteen/cafeteria and an underground car park create optimal working conditions.
The proposed building has excellent transport connections, is in walking distance from several Federal ministries, including the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Architects: LAVA (Laboratory for Visionary Architecture) Location: Bonn, Germany Project Team: LAVA – Tobias Wallisser, Alexander Rieck, Chris Bosse; With Stephan Markus Albrecht, Marvin Bratke, Stefanie Pesel, Christian Tschersich General Advisor: Fraunhofer IAO Building Advisor: Fraunhofer Allianz Bau Photobioreactor-Facade / Microalgae Cultivation Advisor: Fraunhofer IGB Client: The Federal Government of Germany Size: 13,000 sq.m Status: Feasibility Study 2012
